A/N; I'm not really new to this website, but I am new to writing a fanfiction for it, so sorry if I seem a little sketchy at first ;^.^
So yes, this is my story! First Bleach story I dared to write since I was like, I dunno, twelve?

Anyways, since this is an original arc story, I just wanted to let you know that if there is a chapter where I feel that a character(s) or term(s) need a proper profile or definition in order for you guys to better understand the story, I will add one of those right after that chapter. Just to keep you guys on your toes all throughout ^.^ Also, I will make my updates every Saturday, and during the week I may or may not add a Shinigami Illustration book to make sure you guys know that I'm still alive. It depends on how busy I am. This story is also posted on my Wattpad as well as Quotev. My name on Wattpad is BlueJay13 and on Quotev it's cj wants 1k. So if there are any questions or comments please feel free to leave them here. And if you have any criticism, please inbox me! Now, on with the story!

Silence was always an ironic thing to her.

Long ago, she decided that silence was never just silence. In fact it was nothing but a calm state in which someone had the choice to reflect on the actions and decisions that had led them up to a certain point in time. And this was exactly what she was doing currently. Reflecting.

Time was running out, this she knew. In just a little while longer she would be summoned back to her king's palace (though there really wasn't much of it left to be called a palace), and so would begin the giant leap that would change the lives of her and her fellow people forever. Just the thought of that itself caused her heart to skip a beat from the amount of pressure. Maybe that's why she felt that she needed to flee away from the madness and clear her head a bit.

She stood at the edge of a cliff, her eyes casting over the sea of green that lay before her. Here was the only place in Rengoku where it seemed it had not been fully affected by the decay. Although the grass was becoming dry, and the flowers that were left were still trying to struggle through the deprivation of life, it was much better off than a majority of other areas.

Eyes closed, her head tilted upwards towards the dull gray colored sky as a light breeze kissed her cheeks and filled her nostrils.

Smoke. She observed thoughtfully. Another village must have caught on fire from the lack of moisture in the air.

"Sutorei-sama."

As she opened her eyes to the sound of her name, she was welcomed to a messenger that was floating in the air before her, his white colored shihakusho dancing in the wind as he hunched over in a respectful bow. She didn't have to question him on his appearance. She knew exactly what he came to her for.

She sighed to herself and shook her head slightly, trying to get herself back in the game. Despite how she may have appeared, she was indeed excited. For one , today was the day that set forth the plan that her people have been working on before she was even born. And secondly, she was about to venture a world that she had only been able to see through her king's Surdoi me (Eagle eye). It was an honor that she would be apart of the first group to travel there.

But what peaked her interest the most, was the fact that she would finally be able to come face to face with the enemy's strongest weapon.

She would finally get to meet Kurosaki Ichigo.

To the average human eye, it was a beautiful day in Karakura Town. The sun was beaming brightly despite the nearing winter and there was not one cloud in the sky to stop its rays. Children and teens were making their way to work while their parents parted ways with them and wished them a great day. To anyone, it seemed that that exactly what would be.

But he wasn't just anyone.

As he flash stepped through the air, large Zanpakuto in his hand, the orange haired teen had never felt as much joy as he did in that moment in a very long time, and it was evident by the almost sadistic smirk that he wore on his lips.

His target? A hollow that was chasing the soul of a young boy which he had sensed while he was preparing for school earlier that morning. Wasting no time, he skipped his morning breakfast with his sisters and father without them having a second thought as to why he was in such a rush to get out the door. He had located the hollow and was actually excited as he pressed his Substitute Badge to his chest to hop out of his body which was what led up to where he was now, which was clashing his sword against the hollow's forearm.

Now of course, he could have easily defeated the hollow minutes ago but he was enjoying himself too much to make the job quick. However, he realized that he had an insufficient amount of time before classes started, and decided to put an end to his fun. Letting out a loud cry that went in sync with the fearful howl of the hollow, he brought Zangetsu up above his head before bringing it down to slice the monster in half. Without missing a second, the hollow began to disintegrate in thin air.

Ichigo Kurosaki

Hair Color: Orange

Eye Color: Brown

He dropped to the ground, landing on two feet with the grace of a dancer. He rested Zangetsu over his shoulders before beaming with a child like smile.

Occupation: Substitute Shinigami

"Amazing, Kurosaki-kun!"

Ichigo snapped out of his child like daze and turned to see Orihime, waving excitedly in his direction with a happy smile, Chad right by her side giving him an approving nod. He gave them both a warm smile in return.

"Thank you, Orihime." He replied as he made his way back to his body.

Once he was all set and back in his regular school uniform, the three of them began to make their way towards Karakura High with enough time to spare before the first bell rang.

"So what were you guys doing out here anyways?" Ichigo questioned. He was so busy enjoying himself with one measly hollow that it probably explained why he didn't notice their presence.

"Well Chad and I were making our way to school when we felt your spiritual pressure. It's very overwhelming you know. Even more so than before. I almost didn't recognize you." Orihime explained as if she was just realizing the idea herself.

Ichigo felt himself give a soft smirk at the thought. He unconsciously brought his hand (the free one that wasn't holding his bag) up from his side, surveying it as if his spiritual energy was right in its palm. She was right. Ever since he regained his Shinigami Powers, it was very apparent to him that he had much more power under his belt than he did before.

"I sucked at concealing it before and now it's even harder, sorry." He apologized full heartedly with his usual smirk on his face. Chad smiled from behind him while Orihime felt her cheeks heat up at the sight of his happiness.

The three of them parted their separate ways once reaching inside of the school. Orihime had to meet up with her math teacher for extra help and Chad managed to wander off on his own, so he decided to make his way to put the books that he wouldn't need for the first period of the day in his locker. On his way there, however, a familiar voice called his name.

"Oi, Kurosaki!"

He turned around to see Uryu, his trademark scowl painted on his face as he approached in his direction. "Yo, Uryu, how's it going?"

The dark haired teen was slightly caught off guard by Ichigo's good mood. He wasn't used to Ichigo greeting him without the usual scowl on his face, much less with an aura of something along the lines of...euphoria?

But just as quick as he was caught off guard with Ichigo's happy go lucky attitude, a vein popped out of his head.

"What the hell are you doing going around releasing your spiritual pressure like that?!" He exclaimed with annoyance dripping in his tone.

Ichigo's eyes widened before his calm attitude quickly mimicked Uryu's annoyed one, his pupils turning into slits of anger. "What the hell do you mean by that! I was only doing my job! If you have a problem with it why don't you get off of your ass and do something with that stupid bow and arrow of yours?!"

"It's a Bow and Heilig Pfeil you idiot! How many times do I have to correct you on that?!"

"How about you take that Heilig Pfeil and shove it up your―"

"Boys!"

The two teens were basically butting heads when they heard the sound of a rough voice that caused them to pause in their mini feud. Coming in their direction was none other than Tatsuki, Mizuiro and Keigo. Tatsuki was obviously the one who called a stop to their bickering, an annoyed expression on her face as if she was dealing with two children, meanwhile Keigo and Mizuiro were chuckling quietly.

Ichigo gave Uryu one last look of aggravation (to which he did the same) before turning to greet his other friends.

"Keigo, Mizuiro, Tatsuki, good morning." He greeted, Uryu nodding his head as if to echo Ichigo's words.

Tatsuki seemed to freeze at his words, her dark colored eyes squinting in confusion at her childhood friend. Ichigo noticed this, causing him to furrow his brows at her sudden facial expression.

"You've never looked this happy before." She commented as she put her hand to her chin in wonder. Rolling onto the tips of her toes, she leaned into Ichigo's personal space to survey him even closer, much to his obvious displeasure. After a minute of concentrating, she finally snapped her fingers in discovery.

"You've been with a woman!" She exclaimed in all seriousness, causing Ichigo to literally drop to the floor in embarrassment.

"That's not fair!" Keigo immediately transitioned from his happy state to tears streaming down his face. "How could Ichigo get hot and heavy with a babe before I do!"

"Can both of you shut the hell up! I haven't been with anyone and even if I had been I certain wouldn't have told any of you!" Ichigo yelled as he pointed an accusing finger at them.

Mizuiro was watching the scene unfold along with Uryu, chuckling into his hand at the silliness of his friends.

They were all aware of Ichigo's powers, as well as the Soul Society albeit vaguely. However, there was no doubt in their minds that the main reason behind the orange haired teen's happiness had something to do with his newly recovered abilities, and they were happy for him all the same.

"Oh that reminds me Ichigo," Tatsuki began. "My boss left me the job of cleaning up the dojo while he's away on business for a few days. But I have a date that night. Mind if you and Ikumi do the cleaning for me?" She asked with a large grin on her face.

Ichigo's eyebrows twitched at the request as he glared in her direction. "Just because we do odd jobs doesn't mean that your chores are included! And since when did you start dating anyways?!"

"I'll pay you~!" She added as if that would change his defiant answer.

"As if that would make it any better! Ikumi doesn't accept jobs like those." He came off as serious when he said this, but deep down he felt himself turn blue at the real reason that he couldn't accept Tatsumi's request.

To be truthful, I haven't seen Ikumi since my powers returned, and I'm scared what she might do to me if I see her again.

He could almost picture the way her eyes would turn red with anger the moment they crossed paths again. He shuddered.

A few minutes later and the bell that announced the start of the school day had sounded. Ichigo made his way to his first class with Keigo by his side, still trying to pry out of him if he slept with a girl or not. Of course this only stopped when the teacher "accidentally" tossed an eraser at his face with impressive force.

He took a seat by the window, hearing the teacher explain their lesson plan for the day, starting with the fact that she was going to pass out the quizzes they all took a few days ago. But his mind began to drift off towards other things.

It had been a few months since he saw his friends from the Soul Society. Of course unlike before his powers returned, he was able to go and visit them whenever he wanted to. But he knew that most of his responsibilities were in Karakura Town. Besides, they must have been busy themselves having to deal with the new discovery of Fullbringers. But still...it would have been nice if they were able to visit him...

"Kurosaki!"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Ichigo was surprised (and nearly fell out of his chair) when he saw that his teacher stood before him, his quiz in her hand. Her dark colored eyes furrowed in a mixture of concern and disappointment causing him to become serious.

"Geez," She took a deep breath as she placed the quiz on his desk. He took the paper into his own hands, seeing his handwriting cover the entire page. The only thing that was different was the giant red letter located at the top center.

D

"I expect more from one of my brightest students." She stated causing his eyes to drift from his paper and back to her disappointed stare. "You may be a superb athlete but that will get you nowhere in the real world. You need to start thinking about your future, Ichigo."

And with that, she gave him one last look before making her way to finish passing out the rest of her quizzes. She didn't realize that what she had said had hit Ichigo deeper than it should have.

It followed him throughout the rest of his classes. It clouded his thoughts while he was practicing with the soccer team (which he recently returned to). Even on the way home as he dodged a hit from his father and greeted his two sisters with a smile did her words dwell on his mind. The reason being so, was because it forced him to think about the selfish truth that he knew deep down he had tried to hide since two years ago when Rukia first pierced him with her blade.

He didn't want to be anything else but a Shinigami.

"Oi, oi! You're hogging all the sake Shinji!"

"I'm the one who managed to sneak it here, don't tell me what to do Kensei!"

"Now, now, guys.."

"SHUT UP, ROSE!"

The three former ex-captains of the Soul Society sat on the floor of the entertainment area of Shinji's office, the three good friends were sharing a bottle of sake thanks to Shinji who had managed to sneak some from a dinner recently hosted by the Kuchiki clan. At first, he wanted it all to himself, however Rose witnessed when he snatched the bottle and Kensei...well Kensei was Kensei after all.

Oh well, he couldn't complain. After all, had Hiyori and the others been in the Soul Society with them instead of staying behind in the human world, he wouldn't have even had a chance to have more than a third of the bottle.

He smirked. The thought of his little pain in the ass made him miss her a little. Of course he was still able to contact her through the use of a special cellphone created by Kisuke but a part of him missed having his entire Visored family being together. He understood why they decided to decline the offer to return to the Soul Society though. When he was offered back his position, it took him a few weeks to process the decision. Rose and Kensei included.

"Let me tell you," Kensei stated, his cheeks tinted with pink. "My squad has gone to shit ever since I took my eye off of them! They're all soft! Every time I enter a room with them they greet me with wobbly knees and look like they're about to piss their pants!"

"It seems that Kensei still lacks patience doesn't he?" Rose comments as he rests his head on his palm, a smile on his face.

"Or his squad has always been shit in general." Shinji commented as he gave Kensei a knowing smirk.

"Why you little―"

"Oi, don't threaten to hit me with the little amount of sake we have left! Ya drunk little shit!" Shinji explained as he comically reached out to stop Kensei.

"Who the hell are you calling drunk little shit when you're drunk yourself, idiot!"

"Who the hell are ya callin' idiot? Just because ya have a squad of pansies doesn't mean ya get to take your frustration out on me!"

"Why you―"

The two of them were butting heads with each other, gritting their teeth with anger in their eyes. They were so invested in insulting each other that they didn't realize the sake was no longer in Kensei's hand until the heard a quiet hiccup.

The two Captains broke apart from each other to see, much to their disappointment, that Rose had finished what was left of the sake.

"Excuse me." His smile never leaving his face.

Kensei and Shinji immediately felt the lines of depression floating over their heads.

After a while when they both were back to normal, Shinji was caught off guard from the words that left Kensei's mouth shortly after.

"The Soul Society sure has changed a lot since we left, hasn't it?"

Shinji along with Rose stared at Kensei in shock. He's said these words before in his usual annoyed tone, but they had never heard him say it with such sadness. Sad was something that just didn't fit Kensei's personality in general.

Shinji didn't have to ask why Kensei was so upset. The Soul Society did in fact change. What used to be a structured, safe place filled with Shinigami ready to defend those who were in need of help, turned into a place of mistrust and shady secrets that were kept in order to keep the Gotei 13 going. Anyone would be disappointed if that was what had become of their home. However, he refused to let Kensei go into deep conversation while he was feeling so vulnerable.

"Well then," He said as he yawned. "I have a lot of paper to do tomorrow morning so if you'd all excuse me, I'll be headin' to my chambers."

And with that, the three Captains parted their ways for the night. Shinji made his way to his bedroom, the large moon casting a peaceful glow over his Barrack.

What a beautiful night. He thought, though his face still portrayed its usual look of disinterest. Wonder if the Human World has the same sky.

He finally came to a stop in front of his room, his hand reaching out to slide his door open until he noticed something that made him freeze in his stance.

The pale moonlight that was cascading over his features only a few seconds ago had suddenly begun to turn into warm red shade. He quickly turned around to face a sight that made his eyes widen unbelievably wide.

The moon was beginning to turn red, its beautiful white light slowly being devoured by the bloody color until it was completely taken over.

"A...A lunar eclipse?" He questioned, not really sure how he was supposed to react to this situation.

Before he could even dwell on it, he felt a large amount of spiritual pressure heading towards him with great speed. With this he gripped the hilt of his Zanpakuto and whipped it out of its sheathe just in time for him to slice off the hand belonging to his opponent.

To his surprise, however, he saw that the hand that dropped to his feet was not...human. It was pitch black, yet he could still see the claws that protruded from his fingers instead of normal nails. And if that didn't frighten him, the fact that it began to disintegrate in front of his very eyes did.

"Shinigami..."

In response to the dreadful voice, Shinji looked up from where the hand used to be only to come face to face with a being that made his skin pale in terror. It was shaped like a man, but even so looked far from one. Its body was just as black as its hand that he severed, pointed ears extending out from either side of its head. Its reiatsu formed two bat-like wings on its back along with a fairly long tail. Its red colored eyes gleamed as it gave Shinji a sickening grin, its mouth widening literally from ear to ear. He never thought he would ever see one in person for his entire existence.

"A...Demon?"